2 of 2

The women form a sort of hip-hop odd couple. Denton isn't religious and doesn't reject the bawdy antics that drove Salt-N-Pepa to fame. James "always felt somewhat torn" about explicit lyrics, she says now, and went along with the group, but now exudes a squeaky-clean image.

In a recent episode, for example, James focuses on rebuilding efforts in storm-ravaged New Orleans while Denton is more interested in the Mardi Gras party scene.

"The heart of the show is a friendship," James said. "We do love each other. The question is, how can we work together and Pep can still be herself?"

James feels called to entertainment and to "contribute to the art in a responsible way." In recent years, she partnered with gospel singer Kirk Franklin, as well as secular-rappers-turned-Christian-artists Mr. Del and Christopher "Play" Martin.

Some might be taken aback by James's decision to team up with Denton, an unreformed party girl, but James sees the struggle of finding common ground and rebuilding friendship as compatible with, even necessary to Christian faith.

"There are different kinds of people in the word," she said. "Christians often want to hide behind the walls of the church, where we are comfortable, but sometimes we have to come out of the box."

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Recent articles about music include "Larry Norman, Coffee Shop Evangelist," "Imperials Embroiled in Lawsuit Over Name," and "Singable Doctrine."

first page |  2 of 2

share this page

March (Web-only) 2008, Vol. 52